There seem to be lots of efforts made to encourage children to make music. What happens when we grow up? My Mum encouraged me. I learned the flute. I own one and it's a good one.
Of all those children in the school concert maybe a half a dozen will go on to music college and individual or orchestra performance. Another half dozen might be confident enough and good enough (grade 8 ish) to play in existing bands and orchestras. What happens to the rest of us, who can play, and would like to get that instrument out, but who're not-quite-that-good and not-quite-that-confident?
I would just like a place to play my instrument, with others who don't judge my level of competency and just to get together and make music. In other areas I think they call these community bands. I am just looking at the feasibility for now. Do you own an instrument that you'd like a chance to practise with? Do you know anyone who would be interested?
If there's any interest then I'll book a room for August (when the children go back to school) for us to meet and plan. There are some good, cheap venues in Penisuik - for now I've checked with Ian at Ladywood and they have a suitable room, at a good price, from 8-10 on a Wednesday.
My initial idea was - because you've got to have a gig to practise for - that we consider performing at the Christmas Street Fair and May Street Fair for some local charity that is acceptable to all involved - the old people, Aid for Africa, something like that. I'm quite open to other ideas, as long as they are easy.
My main purpose is to meet other people who just want to play and make music.
I'd like it best if we were collectively deciding what music we wanted to play any term, with a mind to varying ability levels and giving everyone a fair peice of music to play that fits in.
I think we'd have to hire someone to give us musical direction. Someone who can take the score for your favourite piece for your instrument and give me a suitable flute piece that I can be confident in.
If we pay at the point and do not accumulate funds then we don't need a committee. (That's one lot of work dispensed with!) I'd really like to keep this about playing music together. (Of course, it would be a good idea for someone to keep a notebook to make sure all payment is fairly done, at lest until we get to know one another.)
Maybe you're that musical director and would like to start the class? Great! That would suit too.
If you are at all interested in a Penicuik not-so-brilliant band as a place to make nice music then please post or PM me with your ideas.
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Sun Mar 16, 2008 9:04 am